WO2015049625A1

WO2015049625A1 - Concave lid for a cooking container provided with a flexible anti-splashing device

Info

Publication number: WO2015049625A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/064920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Piero Melloni; Francesco CANAZZO
Original assignee: Piero Melloni; Canazzo Francesco
Priority date: 2013-10-04
Filing date: 2014-09-29
Publication date: 2015-04-09
Also published as: ITMI20131645A1

Abstract

What is described is a lid for a cooking vessel (70), which may be surrounded by an edge (71 ), and which has a concavity, this concavity being, in particular, formed by two flat surfaces, namely a higher outer surface (76a) and a lower inner surface (76), the concavity having a through opening (77), characterized in that a splash-preventing closure device (30) is positioned on the through opening and comprises an outer edge (31) from which a series of thin flexible members (32) depart, these members substantially converging towards the centre of the area delimited by the edge (31).

Description

CONCAVE LID FOR A COOKING CONTAINER PROVIDED WITH A FLEXIBLE ANTI -SPLASHING DEVICE

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a lid for a cooking vessel, having a concavity and provided with a splash- preventing closure device. The basic functions of a lid for a cooking pot, a cauldron, a saucepan, a casserole or a frying pan are those of saving energy (gas, electricity, or the like) and preventing splashes and spatters on the surface of the cooker.

This can be achieved provided that the lid is on the vessel, but in fact the lid has to be lifted from time to time in order to add ingredients, to mix or agitate or stir the contents of the vessel, or to sample the contents. This normally creates a maximum amount of splashes and spatters, which then soil the cooker surface. The soiling may be light, resulting from splashes of salt-containing water which dry to form whitish rings, or heavy, when various sauces or stews are being cooked, or when steaks, chips, vegetables, small fish, rissoles or the like are being fried in oil and/or butter.

A further consideration is the risk that the cook or housewife operating the cooker may be struck by spatters of boiling substances, which are particularly painful in the case of spatters of oil or fat in general, because of the high temperatures that these can reach.

This may occur unless thick and cumbersome oven gloves are used.

Prior art

There are various known patents that describe various lids or utensils to prevent splashes and spatters from soiling cooker surfaces when the contents of a vessel are boiled, reduced or fried.

For example, US patent 4000830 describes a lid with a certain number of holes in its central part, allowing the exit of steam, but not of spatters. Leaving aside the fact that this lid cannot be used as an energy-saving utensil, since it has a large number of constantly open through holes, this system has the drawback that, when the lid is in place, no access is possible to the contents for the purpose of moving, agitating or mixing them, or for any similar operations; access can be provided only by lifting the lid, which defeats the objective of keeping the cooker surface clean.

There are various patents based on the same principle of providing holes in the lid, some of which holes may be temporarily closed, these holes allowing the passage of steam to enable the contents of the vessel to be reduced, but all of these have the aforesaid drawback of not allowing access to the contents other than by lifting the lid. Other known utensils for preventing the soiling of a cooker surface by splashes and spatters are circular close-mesh grids of metal or plastic, reinforced along their outer edges and each provided with a handle such that they approximately resemble tennis rackets. These grids are to be placed on cooking pots, but especially on frying pans. However, the problem remains the same, namely that of access to the contents of the vessel, so that, if the contents are to be moved or mixed, or if any solids are to be added, the grid has to be lifted, and the user must accept that splashes and spatters, which are particularly abundant when the contents of the vessel are first moved, will soil the cooker surface. Various solutions are known from the prior art.

US2007/0045304 describes a food preservation device comprising a silicone lid which has a valve for venting steam during the heating of the food. The valve also prevents splashes of liquid. This solution does not resolve the problem of mixing or adding ingredients, since the lid has to be lifted for these operations. DE20201 1002302 describes splash-preventing grids having a circular hole closed by various contiguous triangular flaps of flexible plastic, more or less resembling the slices of a round cake, which allow the vertical entry of a cooking utensil, such as a wooden spoon, or the addition of solid products, and which, during mixing, prevent the spatters which would inevitably emerge from the circular holes in the grid. Although these triangles can easily be deformed by a vertically entering utensil, they oppose considerable force to their deformation in a horizontal direction, or during mixing, and, if this deformation is achieved, considerable gaps are opened up in the system, such that the splash-preventing function cannot be provided.

Other types of splash-preventing and spatter-preventing utensil are of frustoconical shape with an opening in the upper part. A known example is the cooking utensil called the Vulcan, shown in Figure 1. This implement is effective to some extent as a splash-preventing and spatter-preventing means, but its shape and size are such that it cannot be easily accommodated in dishwashers, drainers or cupboards. Furthermore, it cannot be considered to be an energy-saving means, as it is open in its upper part. Moreover, the fact that it is open means that particularly forceful splashes and spatters may emerge from the upper mouth at any time. It should also be borne in mind that a column of hot steam normally rises from the top opening of the Vulcan, so that it is unlikely to be possible to use an ordinary wooden spoon, with bare hands, to mix the contents of the underlying vessel, making it necessary to provide heavy oven gloves or to use a wooden spoon with a particularly long handle, which is difficult to fit into an ordinary drawer after use.

One utility model (DE20003262) describes an ordinary lid with a central opening, from the edges of which a hollow cylinder rises for several centimetres; this is intended to protect the surrounding environment from splashes and spatters while also allowing the contents of the vessel to be reached with a spoon or a fork. In practice, this is a reduced-height version of the Vulcan described above, with all the drawbacks described previously for that utensil. Admittedly, various closures are provided for the mouth of the cylinder of the utensil that has been described, the purpose of these closures being to eliminate spatters altogether, but it is also the case that, if a solid or a liquid is to be added, or if actions are to be performed on the contents of the vessel with cooking utensils, the closure has to be removed, and spatters, which are particularly forceful when the contents are moved, may emerge. Another patent (WO2006/064306) describes a double-function lid which would have the advantage, compared with the Vulcan, of having two different configurations, enabling it to provide both the energy- saving function (in the closed configuration) and the splash-preventing and spatter-preventing function (in the open configuration). Unfortunately, when this lid is used in the open configuration, allowing access to the contents of the vessel, it is even less effective than the Vulcan in preventing the emergence of splashes and spatters from the vessel, and it is still subject to the problem, already mentioned in relation to the Vulcan, of the flow of hot steam emerging towards a hand holding the spoon.

There is also a utensil made by the Fackelmann company, in the form of a round transparent plastic disc with a large central hole which is closed by various contiguous triangles, more or less resembling slices of a round cake, these triangles also being made of plastic. This utensil is sold as a splash lid and is placed on the mouth of a vessel when its liquid or creamy contents are stirred or beaten with a blender. However, this utensil, for which no uses are specified apart from that mentioned above, cannot be used on boiling vessels (this is expressly prohibited in the instructions), and, although it is possible to penetrate the aforesaid plastic triangles in a vertical direction, it is not possible to move the handle of a cooking utensil, such as a wooden spoon, easily between them in a horizontal direction or with a circular movement, to act on the contents of the vessel.

EP1916200 describes a lid for reagent vessels. This system is composed of a main body comprising a hole for mounting around the mouth of the vessel, for example a reagent bottle, a top wall connected at its edges to the main body, one or more incisions dividing the top wall, an attached flange extending outwards from the top margin of the top wall, and a hinge area connecting the top margin of the main body to the flange and to the top wall. The incisions divide the top wall into a number of segments. By means of the hinge area, the actuation of the flange causes the raising of the segments, allowing the contents to pass out. When in the closed position, the segments prevent the evaporation of the contents of the bottle, but must not impede it completely, in order to avoid the creation of excess pressure and the emergence of liquid spatters when the segments are opened. This system is clearly unsuitable for use as a lid for cooking pots and the like, particularly because it is not easy to manoeuvre. Furthermore, the shape of the segments does not allow operations of mixing the contents or adding ingredients.

CN2155183 describes a lid for a cooking pot having a central hole on which a device with concentric rings, made of flexible material, is mounted. As shown in Figure 2, this device makes it possible to insert a utensil to mix the contents of the vessel, without causing steam and spatters to pass out. However, since this device is practically airtight, it does not allow a controlled exit of steam, as a result of which excess pressure may be created in the vessel, giving rise to the known phenomenon of the overflowing of liquid over the edges of the lid and spilling on to the cooker surface. Furthermore, it does not allow liquids or solids to be added without lifting the lid. Consequently, there remains the problem of providing a closure device for vessels, particularly cooking vessels, which prevents the emergence of spatters and hot steam, while allowing the introduction of a suitable utensil into the vessel for mixing its contents and/or the addition of solid or liquid ingredients.

Description of the invention The inventor has now discovered a lid of concave shape, preferably with concave symmetry, having a splash-preventing device which resolves the problems of the prior art by means of a suitable flexible system positioned on the opening of the lid, which also allows a small discharge of steam without creating excess pressure, prevents spatters outside the lid, and allows the easy and convenient movement of the contents and/or the addition of ingredients without lifting the lid, thereby also avoiding the risk of scalding.

The present invention relates to a lid for a cooking vessel (70), preferably surrounded by a metal edge (71), and having a concavity, this concavity being, in particular, formed by two flat surfaces, namely a higher outer surface (76a) and a lower inner surface (76), the concavity having a through opening (77), characterized in that a splash-preventing closure device (30) is positioned on the through opening, comprising an outer edge (31) from which a series of thin flexible members (32) depart, these members substantially converging towards the centre of the area delimited by the edge (31 ). The lid is suitable for pots, cauldrons, saucepans, casseroles and frying pans used in cooking.

The advantage of the lid according to the present invention is that, while allowing the passage of a certain amount of gases and steam, it forms an impenetrable barrier to all splashes and spatters, whether solid or liquid, originating from the contents of the underlying vessel.

The lid according to the present invention is defined in Claim 1 , and particular embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Further objects of the present invention are defined in the other independent claims, together with particular embodiments in the claims dependent thereon. Conveniently, in various embodiments of the present invention, in this device the shape of the edge (31) is selected from the group consisting of circular, square and elliptical shapes.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the edge (31) is fastened to a through opening of a lid, for example by locking or by a mechanical means or by adhesive.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the edge (31) and the thin flexible members (32) are made of food-grade or platinum silicone.

Preferably, the flexible members (32) have a circular cross section, are more preferably tapered towards the centre, and are adjacent to each other or even partially overlapping.

Conveniently, the lid according to the present invention is provided with at least one handle. If the concave lid according to the present invention is made of food-grade or platinum silicone, two lateral lugs (100 and 100a) are preferable to the handle. In an even more particularly preferred embodiment of the concave lid, the "concavity" is formed by two flat surfaces, namely a higher outer surface (76a) and a lower inner surface (76), where the flexible splash-preventing device is located.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the lid (70) also comprises a cover (120) of compatible material, having a handle of heat-insulating material (121): the cover (120) is used to cover the flexible splash-preventing device (30) so as to contribute, together with the underlying vessel, to the formation of a completely closed volume. The cover (120) has a greater diameter than the through opening of the covering systems.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover is provided with a removable outer handle which can be rotated through a maximum of 180° (74, 75) so that it can be superimposed on the lid.

This lid, which in Figures 4, 9 and 10 is shown in an exemplary form of circular shape, is formed by two parts, namely an outer part (76a) and an inner part (76), which form a concavity. The outer part is at a level 2 - 5 mm higher than the inner part, and terminates externally in an edge (71) raised by 2 - 4 mm, generally made of metal, to which is fixed a normally U-shaped handle (74, 75) which has sufficient space between its inner edges to contain the knob (121) of a central cover (120).

The lower inner part (76) is the part having the through opening (77), in which the flexible splash- preventing device (30) is located.

In the case where the handle (74, 75) is pointed outwards (see Figure 10), active interaction with the contents of the vessel is intended, and the handle forms a convenient grip for holding the lid firmly, for example when the contents of the vessel are to be mixed, possibly in an energetic way.

In the case where the handle (74, 75) is pointed inwards (see Figure 10), the contents are to be left to simmer or cook for a long time without any need to intervene (for example, when meat is being cooked for the preparation of a stewed dish). In these cases, the aim is to achieve maximum energy saving, and therefore to close the underlying part completely. This is done by positioning the central cover (120), which is preferably very light and has a diameter 2 - 4 mm smaller than that of the circular lower inner surface, so as to cover the flexible splash-preventing device (30).

The cover (120) is fastened to the rest of the structure of the handle (74, 75) positioned on the lid, by being attached to a stop (122) which secures it at the edge where it is bent into a U-shape.

Thus the central cover (120) forms a single unit with the underlying lid (70), and therefore the whole assembly can be moved in any direction simply by lifting by the central knob (121), as in the case of an ordinary lid of a cooking utensil.

The U-shaped handle (74) seen in profile has a specific shape described below, 1 I such that its central part is lowered, following the profile of the lid, and in particular fitting into the concavity formed by the surfaces (76) and (76a). Thus, when the handle is attached to the stop (122), it does not allow the cover to move out of its seat, formed by the lower part of the lid, but since it does not touch the cover, the latter can rise vertically through about 1 - 2 mm, should it be pushed upwards by excess pressure within the vessel. Alternatively, the handle may be straight, or in other words its central part may not be lowered (as shown, for example, in Figures 5, 6 and 8A). In this case, the same properties as those mentioned above are obtained with a lid having an outer edge with a height of 1 - 3 mm, causing the upper part of the cover to be raised to 1 - 2 mm from the straight handle, thus allowing it to rise by the same amount under the force of internal pressure.

This enables steam to be vented in case of excess pressure, so that the pressure is rebalanced.

If any froth or liquid passes out together with the steam, it will remain inside the lid because of its "concave" shape, so that there will be no percolation along the outer part of the vessel, such as that which occurs with ordinary lids, and which not only stains the vessel but also soils the cooker surface and, in "serious" cases, extinguishes the flame of a gas cooker.

The "concave" lid is made of material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminium, tempered glass, Pyrex, and plastic material such as polycarbonate or silicone.

If silicone is used as the material for the lid, the concavity can preferably be provided by making the product truly "bowl"-shaped. The present invention also proposes a lid, as described above, further comprising a disc (1 10, Figure 8A, Figure 8B) having a through hole or two slits in a cross shape, or a plurality of slits in a star shape, through which the handle of a cooking utensil is to be passed, the disc having a diameter greater than the diameter of the through opening (77) of the lid.

The present invention will now be illustrated in detail, with the aid of drawings. In the figures,

Figures 1 and 2 show some embodiments of closure systems according to the prior art.

Figure 3 shows an example of a splash-preventing closure device (30) according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the invention with the flexible splash-preventing device (30) in a multifunction lid (70) where the device is housed in the lower part (76) of the lid with a "concavity" formed by means of two flat surfaces, namely a higher outer surface (76a) and a lower inner surface (76), the lid being provided with a handle (74, 75) that can be rotated through 180°.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the invention with the flexible splash-preventing device (30) coupled to a funnel for the easier and safer introduction of solid substances into the vessel underlying the lid.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the invention with the flexible splash-preventing device (30) used for putting spaghetti directly into the cooking vessel.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the invention in the form of a concave lid made entirely of silicone. Figure 8A shows an embodiment of the invention in the form of a mixing utensil (1 1 1) having a scald prevention accessory (110) with a central hole covering the flexible splash-preventing device.

Figure 8B shows this accessory with the central hole replaced by a star-shaped entry system.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the invention as in Figure 4 with the addition of a central cover (120), restricted to solely vertical movement by the shape of the handle which can be rotated through 180° and fixed, when positioned on the lid, by a stop (122). This enables the lid and cover system to lifted simply by gripping the knob (121) of the cover, as in the case of a conventional lid of a cooking vessel.

Figure 10 shows an overall view of the lid as in Figure 4, combined with a cooking vessel.

Detailed description of the invention The flexible splash-preventing device (30) is the fundamental part of this invention, and may have numerous applications, but its most complete and profitable embodiment is in the "concave" lids described above.

With reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the flexible splash-preventing device (30) is a utensil formed by a compact outer edge (31) from which a series of thin flexible members (32) depart, these members substantially converging towards the centre of the area delimited by the edge (31).

The edge (31) is normally of circular shape, but may also have a different shape (square, elliptical, etc.), and resembles a seal. The edge is conveniently formed of a material suitable for contact with food and compatible with the conditions of use. The width of the edge may be chosen so as to meet the necessary rigidity requirements and act as a support for the aforesaid flexible elements. Conveniently, the width may be approximately in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm.

Similarly, the thickness (the height) of the edge may be chosen according to the thickness of the covering system (lid) into which the device is inserted. Typically, the lid has a through opening (77) and the device according to the invention is fixed integrally on the opening by suitable fixing means, for example an adhesive which is heat and moisture resistant, does not deteriorate with use and is not toxic or harmful, while being compatible for contact with food, such as the E43 silicone adhesive manufactured by Wacker. Alternatively, the device (30) may also be fixed by locking or by mechanical means to the edge of the through opening of the lid, by means of systems known to persons moderately skilled in the art.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compact outer edge of the flexible splash-preventing device (30) may have a thickness of 2 - 4 mm, and, if circular, may have a diameter in the range from 80 to 160 mm. These measurements are not limiting and may be chosen according to the type and dimensions of the lid to which the flexible splash-preventing device is to be fixed.

The outer edge may be made of any material accepted for food use, and, while not being directly in contact with the source of heat, must obviously withstand cooking temperatures. The same applies to the lid itself, which may be made of stainless steel, aluminium, tempered glass, Pyrex or plastic material such as polycarbonate or silicone.

The thin, resilient flexible elements (32) may be made of various materials, for example those used for pastry brushes, such as natural or artificial bristles. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the flexible splash-preventing device (30) is composed of an edge (31) and flexible elements (32) made of the same material, and even more preferably the material is food- grade or platinum silicone.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible elements (32) have a substantially circular cross section, but may also have an elliptical or rectangular shape, with an initial diameter that may be equal to the thickness of the compact outer edge, but may also be considerably smaller, and may preferably be tapered towards the centre. The diameter and arrangement of these elements are in all cases suitably chosen to allow the formation of an effective screen for preventing the exit of spatters from the cooking vessel, allowing a certain small amount of steam to pass through, and permitting the introduction of a utensil that may be moved in any direction to act on the contents of the vessel without creating too many temporary openings which might adversely affect the action of the spatter-preventing screen. An example of a flexible splash- preventing device made of silicone is shown in Figure 3.

For the purposes of the present invention, the expression "thin flexible elements" (32) denotes the elements forming the splash-preventing device (30), as defined above. These elements have a shape in which the length is considerably greater than the width, such that they form a "brush" structure. The predominance of the length over the width is such that said elements can be flexible in all directions, particularly in the horizontal plane of the device (30), and can allow the introduction of a cooking utensil such as a spoon, fork or other, in the vertical direction with respect to the diameter of the device (30), and the movement of the utensil in all horizontal directions with respect to this diameter, particularly in a rotary direction. The thin resilient elements must: 1) withstand temperatures of at least 100°C, 2) be made of food- compatible materials, 3) be highly flexible and have low resistance to objects passed through them orthogonally, 4) have low resistance to utensils moving among them in any direction, 5) recover their initial position immediately on the cessation of any disturbance which has moved them to a position other than the rest position, 6) be virtually in contact, or actually in contact, with one another, or even partially overlapping towards the centre of the opening, so as to form an effective barrier against all splashes and spatters, whether solid or liquid, originating from the contents of the underlying vessel, 7) allow the passage of a certain amount of gas and steam, but obviously to a much smaller extent than an unrestricted opening.

The flexible splash-preventing device is located in an opening (77), for example a central opening in any "concave" lid for pots, cauldrons, saucepans, casseroles and frying pans, and is fastened to the edges of the opening by means of mechanical or locking systems, or by adhesive or other means. The flexible splash-preventing device can be penetrated by a liquid or solid substance which is to be added from the outside to the contents of the vessel.

The flexible splash-preventing device has the property of allowing any cooking utensil, such as a spoon, a fork, a knife, or other, with compatible dimensions, to pass vertically through its thin resilient elements and also to move in a horizontal or circular manner among them. This makes it possible to touch, move, agitate, mix, stir, pierce, cut or otherwise act on the contents of the vessel without the need to lift the covering of the vessel.

The present invention proposes a lid for a vessel comprising a through hole on which the device described herein is positioned. Multi-function lids (or "MF lids") are ordinary cooking vessel lids, made of metal, glass or silicone, with a "concave" shape, having an outwardly projecting handle (74) which is removable and fastened to the outer edge of the lid, but which can be folded back on to the lid by means of an articulation (or hinge) and can be temporarily locked in one of the two possible directions, namely outward or inward on top of the lid, these directions being at 180° to one another. In the case of silicone lids, two lateral grips ("lugs") are provided in place of a handle.

According to the present invention, the flexible splash-preventing device (30) is inserted into an opening (77), preferably a central opening, in a multi-function lid (70).

In all cases, the handle (74), when facing outwards, is used to lift the lid or to hold it firmly if, for example, the contents of the vessel have to be mixed vigorously with a cooking utensil. As in the case of conventional lids available on the market, MF lids vary widely from one another in their shapes and dimensions and may be made from different materials. However, given that the flexible splash-preventing device provides free access to the interior of the vessel and it is possible to act on its contents in various ways, it is greatly preferable to use transparent materials such as glass, polycarbonate and transparent silicone, since they allow the viewing of the contents of the vessel and the effects of action on these contents.

MF lids have a "concave" shape, as described previously, and preferably have an outer edge (71) which is slightly raised, by 2 - 5 millimetres for example.

A central section of an example of a "concave" lid formed by two horizontal planes and made of transparent material (glass, in this case), having a raised edge and a foldable handle, is shown in Figure 4.

As shown in the example of Figure 4, the lid (70), surrounded by a metal edge (71 ), is on two levels (76, 76a) and the splash-preventing closure device (30) according to the present invention is inserted into the through opening (77) at the lower level (76). The lid is shown as being positioned to close a vessel (73). In Figure 4, the lid is provided with a handle (74) which can rotate about a hinge (75). With a multi-function lid (MF lid) as shown in Figure 4, it is possible to cook, reduce or fry anything without soiling the cooker surface.

However, what makes MF lids advantageous is the possibility of touching, moving, agitating, mixing, stirring, piercing, cutting, or performing other actions on the contents of the vessel without the need to lift the lid, so that the cooker surface remains perfectly clean at all times.

Equally remarkable is the fact that any liquid or solid can be added at any time without the need to lift the lid.

Lids having the flexible splash-preventing device offer a further advantage in terms of safety. It is known that when moist foods (such as potatoes, aubergines or small fishes) are dropped into hot oil, there will be copious spatters of oil droplets which, in the presence of a red-hot plate or a flame, may even cause a fire. The flexible splash-preventing device intercepts the aforesaid spatters to prevent this from happening.

When solid material is to be added, the addition is facilitated if a wide-mouthed funnel (80) is used, especially if the amount to be added is considerable (Figure 5): however, if spaghetti, for example, has to be dropped into boiling water, this can be done directly without the use of a funnel (Figure 6).

Lids having the flexible splash-preventing device described above therefore have the following functions: a) an energy-saving function; b) a splash- and spatter-prevention function; c) a function of providing free, protected access to the contents of the vessel; d) an overflow prevention function; and e) a fire prevention function.

Another example of a lid with a concave shape, using the flexible splash-preventing device, is a lid made entirely of food-grade or platinum silicone ("MFS lid"), shown in Figure 7.

This MF lid has no handle; this is replaced by two lateral lugs (100, 100a) acting as handles, which serve to lift the lid or to hold it firmly when necessary.

We shall now consider another aspect of an MF lid of the type shown in Figure 8A.

If the operator starts to mix the contents of the underlying vessel vigorously, with a wooden spoon for example, it is possible that a small gap, created temporarily in the flexible elements, will allow the some splashes to emerge, if only to a minimal extent, and if the flame under the vessel is too high, the hot steam emerging from the flexible splash-preventing device may scald the operator's hands. In order to eliminate this possibility also (see Figure 8a), the following embodiment of the present invention should be used, namely a thin flexible disc (110), generally made of food-grade or platinum silicone, with a hole formed in its centre, to be inserted into the handle (1 1 1) with a circular cross section of a cooking utensil such as a wooden spoon, or with two cuts in the shape of a cross, or with a plurality of cuts in a star shape (Figure 8B), again formed in the centre, and more suitable for the insertion of handles with a non-circular cross section. This thin flexible disc must have a diameter which is a few centimetres greater than the diameter of the through opening where the flexible splash-preventing device (30) is located.

The disc intercepts the column of hot steam and deflects it outwards. Consequently, the mixing, or any other operation, performed on the hot contents of the vessel is made safe, and the hands are protected. In Figure 8B, the flexible splash-preventing device is not visible, because it is located under the flexible disc.

When this flexible disc (1 10) is used, a sixth function can be added to the five functions a) - e) listed above, namely a scald prevention function (f). As regards the energy saving function, it is evident that, if the flexible splash-preventing device of a lid of the type shown in Figure 4 were completely sealed, a maximum saving of gas or electricity would be achieved.

As shown in an exemplary embodiment in Figure 9, this can be done very easily by placing a flat, light central cover (120), with a knob (121 ), on top of the through opening (77) in the lid of Figure 4. The cover must have the following characteristics: a) it must have a diameter a few centimetres greater than that of the through opening (77), normally circular, of the multi-function lid; b) it must be light, so that it is raised under the force of the internal pressure before the multi-function lid is raised.

The cover in question may be rigid or flexible, being made, for example, of aluminium, polycarbonate or silicone.

When this cover is pushed upwards by excess pressure inside the vessel, the steam can emerge and the internal pressure is reduced automatically. On the other hand, if the contents of the vessel are simmering gently, so as not to create excess pressure, the central cover bears constantly on the multi-function lid, forming in combination with the underlying vessel a completely closed space; no heat is lost by evaporation of liquids, and therefore the greatest possible energy saving is achieved.

Clearly, in these cases it is best for the foldable handle to be U-shaped, allowing the knob of the lid to pass through.

The multi-function lids described above, and all similar variants thereof that may be constructed around the flexible splash-preventing device, are also a means for saving money, since there is no need to procure other cooking utensils in order to have all the functions which are provided by these lids, and which are listed again below: a) an energy-saving function; b) a splash- and spatter-prevention function; c) a function of providing free, protected access to the contents of the vessel; d) an overflow prevention function; e) a fire prevention function; and f) a scald prevention function.

Last but not least, all the lids using the flexible splash-preventing device can be washed without difficulty in a dishwasher and occupy no more space than an ordinary cooking vessel lid.

Claims

1. A lid for a cooking vessel (70), having a concavity, this concavity having a through opening (77), characterized in that a splash-preventing closure device (30) is positioned on the through opening and comprises an outer edge (31) from which a series of flexible members (32) depart, these members substantially converging towards the centre of the area delimited by the edge (31).

2. A lid according to Claim 1 , further comprising an outer edge (71).

3. A lid according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the edge (31 ) of the device (30) is selected from the group consisting of circular, square and elliptical shapes.

4. A lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the edge (31) is adapted to be fastened to the through opening (77) by means of a locking system, by a mechanical means or by an adhesive.

5. A lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the edge (31) and the flexible members (32) are made of food-grade or platinum silicone.

6. A lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the flexible members (32) have a circular cross section and are tapered towards the centre and are adjacent to each other or even partially overlapping.

7. A lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the concavity (77) is formed by two flat surfaces, namely a higher outer surface (76a) and a lower inner surface (76).

8. A lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cover (120) of compatible material, with a knob of insulating material (121), which covers the through opening (77).

9. A lid according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, having a U-shaped handle (74), the distance between the inner edges of which is sufficient to contain the knob (121), this handle being attached to the outer edge (71) in a foldable and removable manner.

10. A lid according to Claim 9, wherein the handle (74) has a profile such that it is lowered in its central part, following the profile of the lid, and in particular fitting into the concavity formed by the surfaces (76) and (76a).

11. A lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, made of material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminium, tempered glass, Pyrex, and plastic material, particularly polycarbonate and silicone.

12. A lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, made of platinum silicone with two lateral lugs (100 and 100a) serving as handles.

13. A lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, further comprising a disc (110) having a through hole or two slits in a cross shape, or a plurality of slits in a star shape, the disc having a diameter greater than that of the through opening.

14. A cooking vessel comprising a lid according to any one of Claims 1 to 12.

15. A vessel according to Claim 14, selected from the group consisting of pots, cauldrons, saucepans, casseroles and frying pans.